Durban, South Africa — Where to Go
Durban Sightseeing Overview
Durban is best known for its long, sweeping beaches, and is very popular with the surfing community. A major focus for visitors is the Golden Mile, a long stretch of beachfront lined with hotels, restaurants and other visitor amenities including the Seaworld aquarium. A key attraction in this area are the colorfully costumed Zulu rickshaw men, unique to Durban, who offer rides along the seafront.
Away from the seafront, the Indian Quarter is a fascinating district (Durban has a large population of south Asian ethnic origin). Here, the Jumah Mosque is supposedly the largest such building in the southern hemisphere, and its spice market is a colorful stop on the sightseeing trail.
The Victoria Embankment is home to numerous museums, while a short distance to the north of the city, across the Umgeni River, attractions include a large bird park.
Durban Tourist Information
Tourist Junction
160 Pine Street
Tel: (031) 304 4934.
Website: www.durban.kzn.org.za
Tourist Junction is located in the former railway terminus building in the heart of the city center (CBD) district. As well as tourist information and accommodation booking services for the whole of Kwazulu-Natal, the center offers an African art center and numerous souvenir and curio shops.
Durban Sightseeing
Visitor passes are not currently available in the city, however, the numerous city tours available provide the most convenient way to take in the attractions, attraction admissions being included within the tour price.
Durban Sightseeing
Visitor passes are not currently available in the city, however, the numerous city tours available provide the most convenient way to take in the attractions, attraction admissions being included within the tour price.
Key Attractions in Durban, South Africa
uShaka Sea World
A large saltwater aquarium complex featuring sea life from both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, offering both indoor and outdoor entertainment and exhibits. It also has what is claimed as Africa's largest dolphinarium. The underground section is entered through a huge ‘shipwreck'.
1 King Shaka Avenue
Tel: (031) 328 8222.
Website: www.seaworld.org.za
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700.
Admission charge: Y.
Disabled access: Y.
Durban Art Gallery
Containing collections from Europe, Asia and Africa dating from the 15th century to the modern day, the DAG is also notable for its, temporary exhibitions and has an exceptional collection of contemporary South African art work, including Zulu arts and crafts.
City Hall, Smith Street
Tel: (031) 311 2264.
Website: www.durban.gov.za
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0830-1600, Sat 1100-1600.
Admission charge: N.
Disabled access: Y.
The Campbell Collection
Although open by appointment only (the best way to see this museum is as part of an organized tour) this is well worth the effort. It includes the Mashu Museum of Ethnology, a major collection of native cultural items, and a major photographic and literary archive.
220 Marriott Road, Berea
Tel: (031) 260 1722.
Website: http://campbell.ukzn.ac.za
Opening hours: Mon, Tues, Fri 0900-1500.
Admission charge: Y.
Kwa Muhle Museum
Housed in the notorious former Native Administration Department, from which Durban's labor control system was administered in apartheid times, this museum tells the tale of darker times, and aims to offer an unbiased interpretation of life for ordinary South Africans under the old regime.
130 Ordnance Road
Tel: (031) 311 2237.
Website: www.durban.gov.za/durban/discover/museums/local_history/kwamuhle
Admission charge: N.
Umgeni River Bird Park
Home to a large collection of exotic bird species from all over the world, this attraction features free daily flight shows in a specially constructed arena. The park is situated in a landscaped former quarry.
Riverside Road
Tel: (031) 579 4600.
Website: www.umgeniriverbirdpark.co.za
Admission charge: Y.
Further Distractions
Natal Sharks Board
The Natal Sharks Board is responsible for ensuring beach protection, but its headquarters are open to visitors, who can view displays about sharks and rays, and an audiovisual presentation, and then watch a real shark being opened up in a dissection demonstration.
1A Henwood Drive, Umhlanga
Tel: (031) 566 0400.
Website: www.shark.co.za
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600.
Admission charge: Y.
Sugar Terminal
One of the biggest such facilities in the world, with storage capacity of 500,000 tons of sugar, the South African Sugar Terminal is open for guided tours focusing on the sugar production and refining industry.
Maydon Wharf
Tel: (031) 365 8153.
Website: www.sasa.org.za
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1630.
Admission charge: Y.
Disabled access: Y.
